Course Description:This course explores the fundamental principles and techniques associated with the medium of watercolor paints. The coursework includes color theory, application techniques, and traditional/contemporary trends in painting. Once rudimentary skills are established through representational compositions, students will have the opportunity to investigate the expressive nature of watercolors through abstract imagery.

Methods of Presentation:The majority of our time spent together will be devoted to the activity of painting. Painting demonstrations, lectures, visual presentations, lab time, individual and group critiques, discussions and independent researchwill be included.

Grading Distribution:The paintings produced will account for the majority of your grade. One report and three short writing assignments will contribute to your final mark as well. Late assignments will be marked down by one letter grade. (The class may be taken S/N)

Final Portfolio Due:Wed. August 2nd Final portfolio (all works in chronological order)

Grading Philosophy:The visual arts are a subjective field and we might not always agree upon what is aesthetically successful. In college level art courses, artwork must be evaluated on many levels. For example, the visual qualities of a project may carry as much weight as the integrity of the ideas pursued in your work.

A= Outstanding competence. Expansive investigation of ideas; excellent composition and/or construction. All assignments completed on time.B= Above average competence. Substantial investigation of ideas, very good composition and/or construction. All assignments completed on time, good contribution to critiques.C= Average competence. Assignments done competently and completed on time.D= Marginal work due to two or more late projects, limited investigation of ideas, poor craft, incoherent composition, minimal contribution to critiques. May have more than two unexcused absences. F= Unsatisfactory work. Course failure due to minimal idea development, poor craft, disjointed compositions, lack of participation, late assignments. May have more than three unexcused absences.

Studio Practices: It is important to maintain professional practices for the benefit of all faculty and students using this space. Students will set up and clean up their own work area at the beginning and the conclusion of class or work period. Students are expected to respect fellow student's work and work environment. Cell phones should be turned off or put on vibrate and only used in case of an emergency. Painting is a mental exercise, which means you need to think and listen to my instruction/critique while you are painting; therefore, in order to hear me pause your music and remove your headphones or ear buds. Volume on music should be to a minimum.

Academic Progress Policy:The new academic progress policy may affect students who withdraw from classes. Be aware that a W (withdraw) is different from a D (drop). A drop occurs during the first week of the term, while a withdraw occurs after the first week. Withdrawing from a class may put you at risk for academic probation. If you have questions about your situation, please contact your academic adviser.

Attendance and Participation:In work sessions, discussions and critiques, attendance and participation are mandatory for a high mark. If you arrive late you might miss the introduction to an assignment or a critique. Attendance will be taken at each class. Missing two classes will result in the final mark dropping one letter grade. Missing four classes will result in the dropping of two letter grades, etc... (There are no ‘excused’ absences. Late arrivals and early departures can accumulate into absences too.)

Academic Dishonest:Academic Integrity is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibility and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards breaches of the academic integrity rules as extremely serious matter. Sanctions for such a breach may include academic sanctions from the instructor, including redoing the assignment completely, an "F" for the assignment, expulsion from class, an "F" for the course, and possibly further action by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or any other form of cheating, consult the course instructor.

Center for Academic Success: Should you need assistance with your writing projects, consult with the Writing Center through the Center for Academic Excellence. The Center provides innumerable services to help you improve your writing skills. You can schedule a 50-minute face-to-face appointment by calling 651-793-1460 or by emailing the Center at centerfolk@metrostate.edu.

Field Trips: Three field trips will be scheduled during the semester. Transportation and entrance fees will be the student’s responsibility.

Disabilities: Please alert me of disabilities that might interfere with a positive learning experience. Reasonable accommodations will be made for diagnosed disabilities.

Correspondence: The best way to reach me is via e-mail. It is university policy that instructors correspond with students through their university issued e-mail accounts. My cell phone is only in case of an emergency.Texts:Dewey, David. The Watercolor Book: Materials and Techniques for Today’s Artist, Echo Point Books and Media, 2014.Recommended Art Supply Stores:Wet Paint -1684 Grand Ave., St. Paul, (651) 698-6431 Dick Blick, various locations and online at dickblick.com

white palette (a flat mixing area without indentations such as a white plastic dinner plate or several large white Tupperware lid)

two plastic containers with lids for water (such as two 30 oz plastic mayo containers)

paper towels

2 pencils and rubber eraser

12” ruler

Lab FeesLab fees help to cover the costs of communal art supplies. The charge associated with this class is $10.

Late Arrival of Instructor:If the instructor fails to arrive twenty minutes after the beginning of the class, consider class canceled.

Cancellation of Classes:In the event of a university closure or a delay in opening, the information will be posted on Metropolitan website. You can also tune in to WCCO-AM 830 for announcements.

All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, contact Prof. Margo Selski at Margo.selski@metrostate.edu.

University Resources

Writing CenterThe Writing Center provides free writing support for any subject to all members of the university community. The Writing Center’s services include help getting started on writing assignments, revising drafts, and working with writers who may be returning to school after a numbers of years. Clients may drop in during open hours, but appointments are encouraged.

Student Counseling ServicesSometimes, personal issues or ineffective study and time management strategies can interfere with academic success. Student Counseling Services offers both personal counseling and educational services to assist students with concerns that might interfere with their experience at Metropolitan State University. Personal counseling includes interpersonal relationships, emotional issues, grief and loss, and personal and academic stress. Individual consultation in study skills, time management, concentration, and test-taking is also available.

Services are offered at the St. Paul Campus during the day and some early evenings. Services are limited during the summer. To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, please call (651) 793-1558. http://www.metrostate.edu/counsel

Career ServicesConcerns about career plans can affect academic success. Career Services offers career counseling services through individual appointments, programs, and workshops to both students and alumni. Services are limited during the summer.

Library and Information ServicesLibrary services can help you improve your research skills so that you can earn better grades. For a free personal consultation with a librarian call 651-793-1614,email libraryservices@metrostate.edu, or stop at the first floor desk in the St. Paul Library and Learning Center. You are also highly encouraged to register for INFS 115 Information Access and Research Skills, an eight week, two credit course. To access library resources online, log in through the university portal.

Disability ServicesMetropolitan State University is committed to ensuring equal education opportunities and will not discriminate on the basis of disability. The university will provide qualified students with disabilities equal opportunity to benefit from its programs and services by making reasonable accommodations.

Information Technology (Library Information Commons)Metropolitan State University’s Computer Centers (St. Paul and Midway campuses) are available to registered students and are equipped with PC compatible computers. Printers are also available. The Minneapolis campus Main PC Open Lab - T.3200 hours can be found at http://www.minneapolis.edu/techsupport/computerlabs.cfm

All three computer centers are staffed with college lab assistants and consultants on days, evenings and weekends. Students registered for at least one class are eligible for internet access. The computer centers offer free computer workshops for students who are registered for at least one course. For more information call (651) 793-1515. http://www.metrostate.edu/it/

Multicultural Support ServicesStudent Services provides outreach and support services to enhance educational opportunities. Although the advisers work with students of diverse backgrounds, many of them have expertise working with specific populations. The following services are available:

For more information please view http://www.metrostate.edu/gateway/student_support.htmlTesting CenterInstructors work with the Academic Testing Center to provide proctored testing for students in independent studies and online courses as well as make-up exams for traditional classes. If your instructor has given permission for you to make up a missed examination, you may contact the Academic Testing Center at 651-793-1460 or by e-mail at testing.center@metrostate.edu. More information, including hours and locations, is available at www.metrostate.edu/testingcenter/

TRiO Student Support ServicesTRiO helps “low-income, first generation" students (neither parent has a four-year college degree), and students with disabilities enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. TRIO provides the services through advising, study skills workshop and other learning support.For more information call 651-793-1525. http://www.metrostate.edu/studentaff/trio.html

Academic AdvisingYour academic adviser, whether a faculty adviser or professional staff adviser, can help you analyze factors interfering with your academic success, suggest reasons to help you succeed, and plan courses that will prepare you for success.

College of Arts and Sciences 651-793-1457College of Management 612-659-7269College of Professional Studies 651-793-1341First College 651-793-1783School of Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice 651-999-5891College of Nursing and Health Sciences 651-793-1379

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) InstituteStudents whose first language is not American English and who have difficulties with reading, writing, hearing or speaking American English should contact the ESOL Institute at 651-793-1532.

Overview of Watercolor 311 Projects

Sight Measuring lesson

4 Stages

Stage 1 Plan out the composition and establish light and shadow. Then sketch it onto the watercolor block.

Stage 3 Fill in lights with clean colors. Keep the colors in the "lights" lighter than the shadow shapes. Lay them down simply with large planes and shapes. Think about shapes as you move around the entire page. Step back and recheck your color choices. Don't hurry to produce a painting. Stay away from details. Paint shapes of color not things.

Stage 4 Pull out subtle variations within shapes (both in the shadow and in the light). Allow each application of paint to remain where it lies. Refrain from outlines but instead think "chiaroscuro" where edges are created when two contrasting value planes come together. Think of your painting as a mosaic of large and small interlocking shapes. Do not paint things. The correct shapes and colors in the right places create realistic images.

Student's Name:___________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC: Capstone Project (Painting #1)Point values2 = student excelled in consistently exhibiting the skill1 = student understood the concept (could verbally explain) but had difficulty exhibiting the skill0 = student did not understand and/or was not able to exhibit the skill

Turned in a proposal for the project = __/2

Composition supported concept= __/2

Painting was well crafted= __/2

Work showed evidence of thorough and productive visual research= __/2

Painting exhibited inventive translation into image= __/2

Total ____/10

ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC: Capstone Project (Painting #2)Point values2 = student excelled in consistently exhibiting the skill1 = student understood the concept (could verbally explain) but had difficulty exhibiting the skill0 = student did not understand and/or was not able to exhibit the skill